Handling & Storage
"T.L.C. for the world's sweetie". Unlike
common onions, Vidalia's are very perishable. They need plenty of Tender
Loving Care to keep them at their best.
Vidalia Onions have a higher water and sugar content than storage onions, making them susceptible to bruising, and therefore, must be handled with care.
Since Vidalia onions are available only a portion of each year, sweet onion lovers buy them in quantity (40 pounds or more), and store them for extended enjoyment. The key to preserving Vidalias, and to prevent bruising, is to keep them cool, dry and separated. The following are several favorite methods of storage:
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Always remove onions that are bruised.
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In the refrigerator, wrapped individually in paper towels. This can preserve Vidalia Onions for several months.
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On elevated racks or screens, not touching and in a cool place.
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Vidalia Onions can be chopped and dried in the oven. Use the lowest setting and remove when thoroughly dry but not brown. Store at room temperature in airtight containers.
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In netting or sheer pantyhose. Tie a knot between each Vidalia and cut above the knot when you would like one. Hang in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area.
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Vidalia Onions can also be frozen, either whole or chopped. Freezing changes the onions' texture, so frozen onions should be used for cooking only. Whole frozen Vidalias can be baked.
